Who runs the company PB Swiss Tools and how many employees does it have?
The owners Max Baumann (CTO) and Eva Jaisli (CEO) are leading the company into its 4th generation. The two sites in Wasen and Sumiswald employ a total of 160 persons. Together we produce 9 million tools per year.
What are the landmarks of the family business?
The company's success story started in Wasen in the Emmental valley in 1878. The then blacksmith's shop produced nose rings for the taming of oxen, but also whisks for the army and mouse traps for farmers. In 1916 the founder of the company, Paul Baumann took over the blacksmith's shop and founded the family business PB Baumann GmbH. Since 1940 it has produced tools. The first famous screwdriver with the red transparent handle was developed by Max Baumann sr. It is still a constituent part of our range, which we have successfully exported for 50 years. Today industry professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts in more than 35 nations choose our premium tools.
Why did PB Baumann change the company's name to PB Swiss Tools on 1st August 2006?
To emphasise the quality. Each tool made by PB Swiss Tools is exclusively produced in the company's own manufacturing plants in Emmental and is consequently covered by an unlimited warranty. For 130 years we have done our utmost to safeguard the working and intellectual skills of Switzerland. With this tradition we have brought about progress in the valley and we ensure apprenticeship places and workplaces in the peripheral region.
How does the company develop?
Today we are an export-oriented small to medium-sized enterprise, which distinguishes itself by means of quality leadership and innovation. The company has expanded steadily over the passed few years. In this year, the company has experienced a double-digit growth. 66% of the quality tools are destined for export. We have achieved a high market penetration on the Swiss market.
What are the latest achievements and innovations?
It is our declared goal to put at least one product on the market per year. In 2007 we kept our promise among others with a new torque handle for a screwdriver. With it the effort of fastening a screw can be limited precisely. We also renew our production facilities constantly.
Who finances these innovations?
We invest 25% of the turnover in our company. This is only possible, as our company is absolutely free of debts. With this considerable sum we finance product and process innovations. Several machines in the manufacturing facilities were developed by ourselves. This is also one of our strengths.
